banjo

noun

ban·​jo ˈban-(ˌ)jō How to pronounce banjo (audio)
plural banjos also banjoes
: a musical instrument with a drumlike body, a fretted neck, and usually four or five strings which may be plucked or strummed
banjoist
ˈban-ˌjō-ist How to pronounce banjo (audio)
noun

Illustration of banjo

Illustration of banjo

Examples of banjo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sweet compared the Gulf Stream to a banjo string. — Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026 Vernon also contributes banjo, while a six-part choir threads throughout the album. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 6 May 2026 The band, in this case, contributes a banjo ukulele, an organ, and a pedal steel guitar, among other things, to get that country feeling just right. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2026 And with fiddles, accordions, guitars and her current instrument of choice, the minstrel banjo. — Chris Willman, Variety, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for banjo

Word History

Etymology

probably of African origin; akin to Kimbundu mbanza, a similar instrument

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of banjo was in 1708

Phrases Containing banjo

Rhymes for banjo

See All Rhymes for banjo

Browse Nearby Words

banjax
banjo
banjo clock
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Cite this Entry

“Banjo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/banjo. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

banjo

noun
ban·​jo ˈban-jō How to pronounce banjo (audio)
plural banjos also banjoes
: a musical instrument with a round body like a drum, a long fretted neck, and four or five strings
banjoist
-ˌjō-ist How to pronounce banjo (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on banjo

Nglish: Translation of banjo for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about banjo

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